This past summer Bummer, his wife and lab Indy journeyed to Southern Missouri to explore whatever remained of my father’s heritage. Our targeted destination was ultimately the battle field at Wilson’s Creek. We headquartered in Springfield, which allowed a short throw to the cemeteries, villages and farms northwest of our HQ. My father was raised on a farm between the bergs of Ash Grove and Bois d’ Arc. At the only cafe still open in Ash Grove, we met a local that knew everything regarding the genesis of that particular area. He and his ancestors had been the funeral directors in Ash Grove for three generations and you might say that he knew “where all the bodies were buried.” His information was invaluable in our quest for missing kin, who married who and if any family remained. He also related where relatives were buried, either at John’s Chapel or at Ash Grove. In some cases this character could even relate the location of family plots. Bummer was amazed that this local retained as much knowledge as he did, including directing us to where my ancestor’s homesteads and properties were located. We eventually discovered the resting place of the family patriarch, B.G.W. at John’s Chapel, including wives, children and many other relatives. Most of Bummer’s kin were Masons and were founders of Masonic temples in Ash Grove and Bois d’ Arc. Family journals relate that the local churches and Masonic community formed a bond between the rural inhabitants and held them in good stead during civil unrest. B.G.W.’s family were strong Union supporters and were constantly harassed and threatened by secessionists. Fearing for the safety of his young family, B.G.W. packed up all their possessions and hurriedly left by wagon to his sister’s home in Illinois, to await the outcome of the impending conflict. This family returned to Missouri in 1864, thinking that the bloodshed was over. They had no way of knowing that the mindset of the rebel faction would continue to influence the region for years to come.
Bummer and his entourage trekked to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. This was the climax of the adventure, all of the study of the Civil War began years ago, the turmoil on the Kansas/Missouri border, the divisive politics of the time, the dissension between state and human rights, the first major battle of the western theater. Viewing Bloody Hill, the locations of artillery, Brigadier General Lyon’s heroic line of defense, the inept Colonel Sigel’s wanderings and ultimate disgrace. Confederate Brigadier General McCulloch’s unbelievable, three separate attempts to break the Union line and finally the routes of withdrawal of both forces. The impact of this Missouri expedition has only fueled the desire to experience Bummer’s roots in Tennessee.
Bummer
Lincoln sums it up;
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
Abraham Lincoln
